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The macho nature of football makes it difficult for fogged and staggering players to take themselves off the field after concussive blows to the head.

The macho nature of football makes it difficult for fogged and staggering players to take themselves off the field after concussive blows to the head. And even the most vigilant coaches and parents find it difficult to judge the severity of an impact to the helmet. But the Cambridge body-monitor company MC10 and Reebok have invented a skullcap with sensors and LED lights that can be worn under helmets. Called CheckLight, the device flashes yellow for a moderate blow and red for a severe blow. It also keeps a running count of less-severe blows, flashing a warning when the number crosses 100. CheckLight can’t replace the judgment of doctors and trainers, but it could be a crucial alert system — especially in school sports.